There are very few things in business more satisfying to see than an employee who is selfless, one who puts others first and cares about the company they work for as much as the customers they serve.

Equally, there are very few things as distracting as an employee who does great work, but believes that that justifies the need to constantly ask for more of others and from others, instead of simply trusting that the people that can help them most are watching.

In both examples, the person achieves a certain status. One is achieved almost unconsciously because they’re not focusing on themselves. The other is achieved with more work because that is their primary focus and ironically, it doesn’t look or feel the same as the first person’s status.

“The desire for high status is never stronger than in situations where “ordinary” life fails to answer a median need for dignity and comfort.” Alain de Botton, Status Anxiety

ConsiderWhen you strive to attain, you’ll strive to maintain. Do your work well and trust that others will notice and respond appropriately.

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I'm the founder and CEO of Emergn. I'm a hands-on executive with over 25 years of experience in building global services models for companies around management consultancy, program management, transformational change and professional services strategy. I'm passionate about helping people change the way they work, innovate and deliver, and developing business leaders.